MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint

What We Think

Solo campers who want genuine room to move around will find the MSR Elixir 2 delivers where many one-person tents fall short: actual livable space instead of a glorified coffin.

With 29 square feet of floor area and vertical walls that owners consistently praise for creating "massive headroom," this tent scored a 8.4 overall by prioritizing comfort over cutting ounces.

The tradeoff is clear from the specs, and we'll be upfront about it: at 6 pounds 3 ounces with a bulky packed size, this is a basecamp tent that happens to have backpacking DNA, not a trail-ready ultralight.

Value for Money

At $200 with a footprint included, the Elixir 2 hits a price point that's hard to argue with for what you're getting.

That included footprint alone would run you $30-50 as an add-on with most competitors, and you're getting MSR's build quality and a 3-year limited warranty.

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent comes in at $130 and weighs a full two pounds less, but you're giving up significant floor space and the dual vestibules that make the Elixir genuinely livable.

This tent scored a 9.0 in Value for Money, and that math checks out.

Quality & Durability

The 68D ripstop polyester fly is noticeably burlier than the 20D-40D fabrics you'll find on ultralight competitors, and owners who've put miles on this tent consistently confirm it handles abuse well.

The 70D taffeta nylon floor with a 3000mm polyurethane coating is serious puncture and abrasion protection for rocky campsites.

Aluminum poles and reinforced stress points round out a build that's clearly designed for longevity over weight savings, earning a score of 8.5 in Quality & Durability.

Space & Comfort

Those vertical walls aren't marketing fluff: they translate 29 square feet of floor area into genuinely usable space where you can sit up, change clothes, and spread out gear without playing Tetris.

The 41-inch peak height is generous for a solo tent, and the two large vestibules add 24 square feet of covered storage for muddy boots and packs.

If you're comparing against the MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2, the Elixir trades weight savings for this livability advantage.

Space & Comfort scored a 8.0.

Ease of Use

Color-coded clips are the standout feature here, with owners noting they make setup fast even for first-timers.

The 5-10 minute setup window is realistic, though it's not the instant-pitch experience you'd get from a pop-up design.

Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls are a small touch that matters at 2 AM.

This dimension scored a 7.5, docked slightly for the learning curve compared to simpler single-pole designs.

Weather Resistance

The 1500mm hydrostatic head rating on the fly and 3000mm on the floor will handle typical three-season rain without issue.

MSR's StayDry rain gutters over the doors are a thoughtful detail that keeps drips from soaking you during entry.

The PFAS-free DWR coating is an environmental win, though it may require reproofing sooner than traditional treatments.

Weather Resistance scored a 8.0, appropriate for a tent that's not claiming four-season capability.

Intangibles

Built-in gear lofts and tech-friendly pockets with cable ports show MSR thinking about how people actually live in tents, not just sleep in them.

The included footprint is a genuine value-add that protects your investment.

Intangibles scored a 8.5.

User Reviews

Owner feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with the most common praise centered on that vertical wall design and the fly's durability.

The recurring theme in negative reviews is weight: owners who expected a backpacking tent were disappointed by the 6-pound heft and bulky 20x7 inch packed size.

This is honest feedback that confirms the Elixir's identity as a comfort-first shelter.

User Reviews scored a 9.0.

Who It's For

The Elixir 2 is built for solo campers who prioritize living space over shaving ounces, whether that's car camping, short backpacking trips, or establishing a comfortable basecamp.

If you're planning a thru-hike or counting grams, look elsewhere.

If you want a durable, roomy shelter that won't break the budget, this is your tent.

MSR also makes the Elixir 1 for tighter spaces or the Elixir 3 if you need room for a partner.

The Bottom Line

The MSR Elixir 2 scored a 8.4 by doing one thing exceptionally well: giving solo campers genuine room to breathe without charging a premium for it.

The weight penalty is real and worth acknowledging, but if your trips start from a trailhead parking lot rather than mile zero of a long trail, that tradeoff buys you a lot of comfort.

At $200 with footprint included, we think it's one of the smarter buys in the solo tent category.